GRE was contracted to redesign / remanufacture two liquid nitrogen dip tanks for use in the food processing industry (to produce a nice, crisp, chocolate shell for a well-known ice cream brand).
The client’s previous dip tanks were double-skinned, with the inner cavity insulated with polyurethane foam. Over time, micro-cracks had appeared on the weld joints, which lead to water ingress into the foam from the strict cleaning regime. The combination of extreme thermal cycles and damp insulation lead to the foam expanding and cracking, which meant repeated maintenance and the tanks (and processing line) often being out of use.
GRE was contracted to produce a new concept design for the tanks, then to remake them within the strict constraints of the process line space claim.
Our engineering team came up with a combination of novel ideas, including strengthening folds and tighter welding specifications for the fabrication, combined with the use of aerogel for better insulative quality and a pressurised void between the tanks walls to ensure that there could be no moisture ingress.
